NFPA May Develop Stationary Energy Storage System Standard

There is a March 1 deadline for public comments on whether the association should develop a standard addressing design, construction, installation, and commissioning of these increasingly popular systems.

Jan 12, 2016

March 1 is the deadline for public comments to NFPA, which wants interested organizations and individuals to say whether the association should develop a new standard addressing the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of stationary energy storage systems. It would include requirements for safeguarding lives and protecting physical property associated with buildings or facilities that have these systems, which can consist of tens of thousands of batteries and generate large amounts of power. Power company AES Corporation, for example, has provided a 10-megawatt Advancion 4 energy storage facility for the Kilroot power station in Northern Ireland.

"Currently, applicable codes and standards related to the installation of stationary energy storage systems are lacking which leaves an identified gap of potential safety hazards related to stationary energy storage systems," according to NFPA. "Various working groups and workshops have confirmed that the incorporation and deployment of stationary energy storage systems is set to rapidly expand nationally. The standard to be developed is envisioned to assist officials with the review of system designs or to ensure safe installations."

A variety of experts estimate the market for these systems is soaring, with the market expected to top $13.5 billion by 2023. Vendors include LG Chem Power Inc., Samsung SDI, BYD, Panasonic, Toshiba, GE, and Tesla.

Anyone interested in commenting on NFPA's proposed project is asked to do so in writing by March 1 and to include information and known resources pertinent to the subject matter, the names of interested participants for a Technical Committee (if one is established), the names of other organizations actively involved with this subject, and whether the party believes there is a need for such a project. Comments may be mailed to Standards Administration NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 or emailed to stds_admin@nfpa.org.